MINNESOTA VALLEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Embark on an adventure in the beauty of nature smack dab in the middle of Bloomington, a southwest suburb of the Twin Cities. Established in 1976 to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, fish and other wildlife species, the refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River. Imagine: more than 14,000 acres of outdoor playground. It’s well worth a day and then some.

The varied landscape in the refuge ensures a few checkmarks off any birder’s list. Look for the red-headed woodpecker and red-shouldered hawk in the floodplain forest along the Minnesota River. You may even catch a glimpse of the bald eagle, egret and heron nesting high atop the trees.

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City Secrets

Floodplain forest areas in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge are closed to visitors during breeding season to protect nesting eagle, egret and heron colonies from human disturbance. Pay close attention to posted closings.